The SERCulator by Douglas Freeman

S u m m e r

2 0 1 8

SERCulator 1st Ayanna H place-High Scho ol enderson (Danville , VA

1st place-Middle School Xeniya Crump (Huntsville, Al)

)

2nd place-High School Aunquarius Brown (Albany, GA)

School 2nd place-Middle tol, VA) ris (B tt re ar B n Braxto

3rd Kyler Dixplace-High Schoo l on (McM innville, T N)

y School 1st place-Elementar n, WV) gto tin un (H ay Karen R

ol tary Scho ) e-Elemen C 2nd plac k (Pembroke, N lar C a r r ie S

3rd place-Middle School Latavia Parker (Danville, VA)

Southeastern Regional Council of Housing and CD Professionals National Association of Housing Redevelopment Officials

ry School 3rd place-Elementa hez, MS) Kacie Thomas (Natc

SERCulator Summer 2018

EDITORIAL STAFF

Managing Editor/Photography Paula Robertson, PR Designs Contributing Editors Alabama................... Beverly Barber Florida ............................Lisa Landers Georgia........... Reta Thomas (chair) Georgia.......................... Ella Murphy Kentucky.......Robin Weeldon-Hoots Mississippi.....................Rita McKissick .........................................Vickie Cole North Carolina............ Anna McRae South Carolina........... Pancea Lewis West Virginia........... Sharon Harmon

SERC REGION:

1st Ayanna H place-High Scho ol enderson (Danville , VA

1st place-Middle School Xeniya Crump (Huntsville, Al)

)

School 1st place-Elementary , WV) gton Karen Ray (Huntin

On the cover:

e School 2nd place-Middl (Bristol, VA) Braxton Barrett

2nd place-High School Aunquarius Brown (Albany, GA)

ol tary Scho ) e-Elemen C 2nd plac (Pembroke, N rk la C ra Sier

SERC poster contest winners for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in High School, Middle School and Elementary School categories. For all entries in the 2018 poster contest see page 25.

Alabama Florida Georgia Kentucky Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

The SERCulator is the official publication of the Southeastern Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. The SERCulator is published quarterly. Comments, suggestions, articles, features and photographs are solicited in interest of the members of Southeastern Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Although all submissions are subject to approval and editing, every effort will be made to publish submissions based on available space. Photos cannot be returned. Send submissions to: Paula Robertson, 662-268-8402, email: pauladesigns22@gmail. com or Reta Thomas, email: rthomas@augustapha.org

3rd Kyler Dixoplace-High School n (McM innville, TN )

3rd place-Middle School Latavia Parker (Danville, VA)

y School 3rd place-Elementar z, MS) tche Kacie Thomas (Na

TABLE of CONTENTS: Southeastern Regional Council of Housing and CD Professionals Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message............................................................3 National Association of Housing Redevelopment Officials SERC 2017-2019 officers.......................................................4 SERC 2017-2019 chairpersons ............................................5 SERC 2017-2019 comittees................................................ 6SERC committee meeting...................................................7 SERC executive committee meeting................................8 State news...................................................................... 9-17 SERC annual conference............................................ 18-22 SERC scholarship auction..................................................23 Newsletter/website awards..............................................24 Poster contest winners.......................................................25 Legislative update.............................................................26 History of SERC....................................................................27 SERC MLK basketball/dance tournament......................28 SERCulator ad insertion information................................29 HUD news............................................................................30 Commissioner of the year.................................................30 SERCulator spotlight..........................................................31 Upcoming events...............................................................32

The SERCulator 2

A message from your SERC President SERC 2017-19 Executive Committee

Greetings Serc Colleagues: It has been such an honor to serve as your president for this last year. I think at the midpoint of any term is a great time to reflect on accomplishments and to look forward. Knowing how the affordable housing industry is changing, I think we should all be quite Sean Gilbert proud of the work that our SERC-NAHRO PRESIDENT SERC family has accomplished. We have held two successful conferences that provided great training and wonderful networking opportunities. We held a record breaking executive committee meeting, with “on-site” training for the first time. The education & training committee provided four wonderful “stand-alone” training opportunities. We have backed successful legislation that eases our regulatory burdens, and we have been able to successfully advocate for better funding for both the public housing and Section 8 programs. All this, while at the same time expanding our legislative network and strengthening our ties with NAHRO and our wonderful state organizations. With that in mind, we must remember that now is not the time to sit back and rest on our accomplishments. Even though we believe funding will be stable in 2019, we know that 2020 will be a challenge. Remember it is never too early to contact your representatives to advocate for your residents, your agency and our industry. Also we invite you to attend the fall workshop in New Orleans, November 10-12. The theme is “BIG IDEAS IN THE BIG EASY”. This workshop promises to be full of sessions that will guide you through changes our association faces every day. Please check out the SERC website www.serc-nahro.org for more information on sessions and activities in New Orleans. Thanks for your confidence, and I look forward to a successful final year of working with and for each of you! Sean Gilbert, SERC president

SERC Officers l 2017-2019 PRESIDENT Sean Gilbert Knoxville Community Development Corp. 901 N Broadway Street Knoxville, TN 37917 Phone:(865) 403-1209 Fax:(865) 594-0266 sgilbert@kcdc.org SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Mark Taylor Charleston Housing Authority PO Box 86 Charleston, WV 25321 Phone:(304) 348-6451 Fax:(304) 348-6455 mtaylor@charlestonhousing.com SECRETARY Shaundra Clark Tifton Housing Authority PO Box 12 Tifton, GA 31794 Phone: (229) 382-5434 Fax: (229) 382-1327 thasclark@bellsouth.net TREASURER Anthony Goodson, Jr. Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro 700 N. Jefferson Ave Goldsboro, NC 27530 Phone: (919) 735-4226 Fax: (919) 731-4402 agoodson@hacg.org VP OF HOUSING

Michael Wong Harrisonburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority

PO Box 1071 Harrisonburg, VA 22803 Phone: (540) 434-7386 Fax: (540) 432-1113 wongway@harrisonburgrha.com VP OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Cindy Preast Harrington Bluefield Housing Authority PO Box 1475 Bluefield, WV 24701 Phone: (304) 325-9653 Fax: (304) 325-9539 cindybha@comcast.net VP OF MEMBER SERVICES Jan Piersol Newberry Housing Authority P.O. Drawer 737 Newberry, SC 29108 Ph: 803-276-1049 Fax: (919) 731-4402 jan_piersol@yahoo.com VP of CR&D Stephen Burchett Housing Authority of Morristown

PO Box 497 Morristown, TN 37815 Ph: 423-586-5115X8005 Fax: (540) 432-1113 sburchett@morristownpha.org VP OF COMMISSIONERS Henrietta Snipes Opelika Housing Authority 1706 Toomer Street Opelika, AL Ph: 334-745-4171 Fax: (334) 382-1327 hsnipesoha@aol.com

Sean Gilbert is the senior vice president of housing for the Knoxville Community Development Corporation in Knoxville, TN where he has been for the past two years. Sean has his bachelor’s degree in urban planning from Virginia Tech. He was the executive director of Housing Authority of Pikeville, August 1995–February 2014. Sean serves as the president for SERC. Mark E. Taylor is the CEO of the Charleston-Kenawha Housing Authority. He has over 18 years’ experience in public housing and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Mark is a district two board member for WVAHA. He is senior vice president for SERC and the past treasurer and past vice president for housing and for CR&D. Shaundra Clark of Tifton, GA is the current secretary for SERC. Shaundra serves as executive director at the Tifton, GA housing authority and has over 23 years’ experience in public housing. She holds a business administration degree as well as a master’s in public policy and administration. Shaundra is chairperson of the convention committee and past president for GAHRA, and has served on numerous SERC committees in the past. Anthony Goodson, Jr is the chief executive officer of the Housing Authority of the city of Goldsboro in Goldsboro, NC. He has approximately 12 years’ service in public housing and serves as the board secretary for CCHRCO. Anthony is treasurer for SERC and serves as a member of the 40 under 40 committee, the rental assistance committee and vice president of member services. Michael Wong is the executive director of the Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He has 17 years’ service in public housing and is past president of VAHCDO. Michael serves as vice president of housing for SERC and as a member of the legislative committee. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from James Madison University. Cindy Peast Harrington is the executive director of Bluefield Housing Authority in Bluefield, WV. Cindy has over 31 years of experience working with public housing agencies, with the last 26 serving in the position of Executive Director at Bluefield. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and master’s degree from Mountain State University. She has served as board member, secretary, vice president and president of the West Virginia Association of Housing Agencies. She is currently the vice president for professional development, and has also served on several other SERC committees. She served as program chairperson for the 2015 and 2017 Annual Conference. Jan B. Piersol of Newberry, SC will be serving as vice president of member services. She is the executive director of the Housing Authority of the city of Newberry with 34 years of experience in the housing industry. She holds a business administration degree. She is past president of CCHRCO and has served on numerous committees for CCHRCO and SERC. Stephen Burchett is the finance director for the Morristown Housing Authority in Morristown, TN. He has twenty-five years’ service in public and assisted housing. Stephen has his bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Morehead State University. Stephen serves as vice president of CR&D for SERC. Henrietta Snipes is a commissioner for the Opelika Housing Authority, Opelika, Alabama. She has been a commissioner for 21 years where she has served as chairperson for NAHRO’s commissioner’s committee. She has worked with the professional development sub-committee, served as track chairperson and is a NAHRO trainer and mentor for commissioners. In addition Henrietta was the Alabama Association of Housing and Redevelopment Association’s 2015 Commissioner of the Year. She has certifications in all courses that are offered by NAHRO for commissioners. Henrietta’s post- secondary education is from Southern Union College, Auburn University and Point University.

SERC Committee l Chairs l 2017-2019 Executive Committee STEERING COMMITTEE

President Sr. VP Secretary Treasurer VP Commissioners VP Professional Development VP CR&D VP Member Services VP Housing

Sean Gilbert Mark Taylor Shaundra Clark Anthony Goodson Henrietta Snipes Cindy Preast-Harrington Stephen Burchett Jan Piersol Michael Wong

STATE REPRESENTATIVES AL FL GA KY MS NC SC TN VA WV

Dannie Walker Miguell Del Campillo Pat Bennett Vickie Smiley Ginger Ming Burnetta Smith Randy Mathis Paul Dellinger Connie Staudinger Jeff Knight

PAST PRESIDENTS Immediate PP Second PP Third PP

Dave Baldwin Ailrick Young Thomas Rowe

President’s Portfolio

Sean Gilbert

ANNUAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE 2018—Norfolk, VA Conference Chair Program Chairperson Exhibits Chairperson Registration Opening Ceremony Ushers Awards Ceremony Flag Ceremony Golf Tournament 2019—Orlando FL Conference Chair Program Chairperson Exhibits Chairperson Registration Opening Ceremony Ushers Awards Ceremony Flag Ceremony Golf Tournament Hospitality RAD

Emerging Leaders Small Agency Task Force Youth Leadership Development Executive Committee Coordinator Strategic Plan Coordinator

TN WV GA NC AL WV TN SC VA

Sharita Oates (Chair) NC Eliana Jones (Vice Chair) NC Mentors: The NAHRO Fellows Lisa Porter (Chair) VA Tom Wachs, Co-Chair AL Abraham Williams, Co-Chair KY Marilyn Medley TN Joyce Floyd TN

Senior Vice President’s Portfolio Budget Committee BC members: BC members: BC members:

Mark Taylor

Clifton Clark (Chair) WV Courtney Coleman AL Anthony Woods FL All Steering Comm Members

Legislative Committee Mike Sweet (Chair) Policy Advisory Committee Thomas Rowe PA member: Tina Akers-Brown PA member: Austin Simms PA member: Don Cameron PA member: Ailrick Young Nominating Committee Ailrick Young, Chair NC member: Thomas Rowe NC member: Tina Akers-Brown NC member: Austin Simms NC member: Edwina Burnett Intern’l Research & Global Exchange Judy Mellard (Chair) Jake Oglesby, Co-Chair Site Selection Committee Shannon Biggs, Co-Chair

VA MS TN

Secretary’s Portfolio

History/Archival Committee Resolutions

Shannon Biggs (Chair) KY Connie Howard SC Gary Erwin GA Jake Oglesby GA Angie Strickland GA Wanda Stevens-Ruckman VA Charlie Harrinton VA Michael Boatwright GA Charlie Harington VA Tom Wachs AL

Treasurer’s Portfolio

Shaundra Clark

Edwina Burnett Dannie Walker (Chair)

Anthony Goodson

Becky Holmes

VP Housing’s Portfolio

Michael Wong

VP CR&D’s Portfolio

Stephen Burchett

Housing Committee Rental Assistance Committee C R & D Committee

Professional Development (Fall Workshop) Administrative Practice Education and Training

2017-2019 Small Agency Task Force

Ginger Ming (Chair) MS Elizabeth McKinney (Chair) SC Jesse Norwood (Chair) Buddy Oldfield (Chair) GA

Douglas Freeman (Chair) Becky Hartman (Chair)

GA GA

Reta Thomas (Chair) GA Latonia Simmons (Chair) GA Madelyn Dotson, Co-Chair WV Kay Judson, Co-chair MS Don Clemons Ed Johnston

VP Commissioners’ Portfolio

Henrietta Snipes

Commissioners

John Austin (Chair)

Clanton Housing Authority

Ph: 205-755-1801

Richardson, Doris

Evergreen Housing Authority

Ph: 251-578-1488

Rowe, Mollie

Eutaw Housing Authority

PH: 205-372-3926

Reddick, Catherine

Bartow HA

Ph: 863-533-6311

ronmjones@bellsouth.net evhouseauth@bellsouth.net

eutawhau@att.net catherine.bha@comcast.net rblha@windstream.net miboatwright@windstream.net

Bass, Ruth

LaFayette Housing Authority

Ph: 706-638-2733

Boatwright, Michael

Moultrie Housing Authority

Ph: 229-890-5525

Biggs, Shannon

Columbia Housing Authority

Ph: 270-384-2271 x3

Farrer, Bob

West Point Housing Authority

McKissick, Rita

Booneville Housing Authority

Ph: 6 6 2 - 4 9 5 - 2 0 0 8 Bob@westpointhousing.net bha@avsia.com Ph: 662-728-4032

Spencer, Royal Ann

Clarksdale Housing Authority

Ph: 662-624-8030

ras_cha@bellsouth.net

Ellis, Wendy

Farmville Housing Authority

Ph: 252-753-5347

fauthority@embarqmail.com

Fowler, Janice

Greer Housing Authority

PH: 864-877-5471

Burnett, Edwina

York Housing Authority

Ph: 803-684-7359

jfowler@greerha.com eburnett@yorkhousing.net

Miller, Michael

Bolivar Housing Authority

Ph: 731-658-3419

bhahhs@bellsouth.net

Page, Philip

Franklin Housing Authority

757-562-0384

ppage@frhaonline.org

Porter, Lisa (Chair) Stevens-Ruckman, Wanda

Marion Housing Authority Staunton Redevelopment & Housing Authority

Ph: 276-378-7990

Public Affairs/SERCulator Member Services Scholarship Insurance-Housing Benefits Plan Retirement-HART

Jones, Ron

Meredith, Sonia

VP Member Services’ Portfolio Jan Piersol

SERC 2017-2019 Small Agency Task Force (SATF) Committee List

AL AL

VP Professional Development’s Portfolio Cindy Preast-Harrington

Shannon Biggs (Chair) KY Donna Lamer SC Gary Erwin GA Jake Oglesby GA Angie Strickland GA Jeff Rieck KY Kaye Judson MS Michael Boatwright GA Gerald Board KY Tom Wachs AL Jan Piersol (Chair) SC Joyce FLoyd TN James Cox (Co-Chair) NC

AL TN NC KY SC MS MS TN NC KY SC MS GA KY

Mount Hope Housing Authority

Ph: 540-886-3413 Ph: 304-877-6541

houscol@duo-county.com

lisa@marionrha.com wstevens@stauntonrha.org Symeredith14@suddenlinkmail.com

SERC COMMITTEES I MEETING 2017-2019 SERC Committee Members 2015-2017 Committee

Admin Practices Commissioners CR&D Education & Training

Sharon Tolbert

Shannon Young

Henrietta Snipes

Joseph Triolo Anthony Sawyer

*Jesse Norwwod

Donna Gabel

Internat. Research & Global Exchange Legislative Member Services Prof.Development Public Affairs/ SERCulator Rental Assistance Resolutions Scholarship Small Agency Task Force Youth Leadership Development

Patsy Rice

Beth Brown Pete Waldrep

Tim Kitts

Helen Werby Ron Turner

Shaunte Evans Alanda Jackson

Dottie Avery

*Becky Hartman Vonda Gibson Zsa Zsa Heard Patricia Allen Felicia Ashe

Doris Wyatt

Chereka Belton

Tim Kitts

Brian Power Phyllis Hughes Felicia Jackson

Emerging Leaders

Housing

Shauna Boom

Tanya Griffin

History/Archival

*Douglas Freeman Russell Nast J. L. Thompson Charles Alexander

Suzy Oldham John Curlis

Tabitha Smith Angela Childers Ben Washington John W. Bounds *John Austin Jack Windell Johnny Johnson Dr. Dorothy Yarborough Frank Alexander

*Sharita Oates *Eliana Jones Vanessa Dunn

Vickie Lester

Margaret Milam

Harry Howe

Albert Martine LuAnne Bush

Jamie Steen

Richard McClain

Connie Staudinger Karen Wilds

Joyce Wolen Vickie Lester

Anne Burroughs Beverly Gasque Tonya Crowley

Christy Billings Jane Norsworthy Sabrina Woodard

Carol Jones-Gilbert

Wally Board

Patsy Rice

Doug Freeman

Kathylynn Gray

Bob Farrar

*Shaunte Evans Vanessa Dunn

Edwina Burnette Elizabeth McKinney

Jeff Green

Felicia Snow

Philip Groombs Becky Sue Mercer Miguel Del Campillo

Brenda Smith Debi McCade

Shauna Boom Jeff Patrick Vickie Smiley

James Cox

Lisa Bonadio

Tina Akers-Brown

Patrick Prince Tonya Crowley Chuck Walling

Anthony Woods

Ann Dobson Shirley Smith

*Ginger Ming Katina Pace *Judy Mellard Ailrick Young Thomas Coleman

Angela McGill Shaunte Evans

Randy Mathis Ivory Mathews

Sharita Oates Eliana Jones Faith Thompson

Janice Fowler Preston Thomas

Anna McRae

Pancea Lewis

Tina Gray

*Elizabeth McKinney

*Mike Sweet Carlen Williams Quisah Riche Shana Demby

Gail Sansbury

Brian Williams

Beverly Barber

Lisa Landers

Marguerit Austin Karan Potter

LaShanda Lovette

*Dannie Walker Mary Mayrose Beverly Barber Shana Demby

Catherine Reddick

Anita Jenkins Jeff Reick

John W. Bounds *Latonia Simmons Bobbi Jarrett Alan Ingram Joe Thomas Sara Lyons *Buddy Oldfield Jeff Reick Marie Harris Paula Dempsey Patricia Allen Felicia Jackson *Reta Thomas Robin Wheeldon Hoots Rita McKissick Ella Murphy Vicki Cole Brandie Garner Kathylynn Gray Ben Washington Pat Bennett Jason Spencer Vicki Paris

Tooter Castle

Barron Caulfield

Charles Alexander Vickie Paris

Bobbie Jarrett

Alan Ingram *Kaye Judson

Doris Richardson 250 Catherine Reddick Ruth Bass 300 Shannon Biggs 84 Bob Farrer 190 Ron Jones Michael Boatwright 328 Royal Ann Spencer 296 Wendy Ellis 174 Mollie Rowe Rita McKissick 160 *Tom Wachs Danita Wiggins *Abraham Williams Ailrick Young Vanessa Dunn Donald Belle Zsa Zsa Heard Debra Taylor Eliana Jones Courtney Coleman

Donna Lamer

Rosalind McClelland Genelle Alexander Joy Pochis

Keith Viers

Debbie Rogers

Akinola Popoola

Dow Harris

Jamie Steen Connie Howard

Janice Fowler 186 Edwina Burnette 125 Brian Griswell

Stephanie Wright Connie Staudinger

Joyce Wolen

Cindy Thomson Scott Napier Ron Jackson

Clifton Clark Sharon Harmon Tammy Miller

Buford "Booty" Reed Susan Minor Paul Dellinger Stacy Brannen

Ed Ware Michael Wong

Tony Bazzie

Philip Page

Sonia Meredith

Marilyn Medley Joyce Floyd

Charlie Harrington

Cindy Preast

Buford "Booty" Reed

Sharon Harmon Sherrie Samples

Scott Napier Cindy Thomson

Mark Reid Maria Catron

Michael Miller 119

Donna Whitt Carmen Easter Donna Whitt

Ron Jackson

*Madelyn Dotson Carmen Easter

*Lisa Porter 484 Wanda Stevens 384 Philip Page 315 Ralph Stuckey

Sonia Meredith

Tammy Miller

SERC COMMITTEES I Committee meetings/training

SERC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE I Summer Committee Meetings

ALABAMA NEWS

TUSKEGEE HOUSING AUTHORITY attends resident leadership conference Tuskegee Housing Authority resident leaders attended the 2018 Resident Leadership Conference held in Birmingham recently. Five states were represented including Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Alabama. Pictured at the conference gala are Mark Rush, E. Diane Smith, and Pamela D. Ford, Tuskegee resident leaders; Willie Lewis, Birmingham resident commissioner; and Gloria Person, Tuskegee resident Initiatives coordinator. The participants received training in leadership, resident business, educational programs, domestic violence, smoke-free communities and more.

EUFAULA HOUSING AUTHORITY receives $1.1 million grant Eufaula Housing Authority (EHA) received $1.1 million dollars to fund a new YouthBuild Program. The program is a 36-month grant program funded by the United States Department of Labor to serve high school dropouts and adjudicated youth, ages 16-24. EHA will serve approximately 20 youth per year, providing them with adult education classes, soft-skills training, leadership development, and vocational skills training. Skills training target areas are welding, air-conditioning & refrigeration, and electrical fields. Barriers that plague low-income families and that many at-risk youth face, such as incarceration of a parent, being in foster care, pregnancy, undiagnosed learning disabilities, or mental/emotional disorders are all-toooften unaddressed. The goal of the program is to tackle these issues and provide participants with all the tools necessary to go forward in life and become successful contributors of the workforce. This not only provides community development, but lowers risk of homeless-

ness and dependence on governmental assistance and stimulates economic growth. We are extremely fortunate to receive a grant of this magnitude,” says Tom Wachs, housing authority executive director. “ Only 77 organizations got this grant around the country, and only three housing authorities. Many of them did not get the full allocation of funds. We are extremely excited to begin work on this program and look forward to changing lives and making our community better.” The housing authority will partner with numerous local businesses and agencies to provide educational and job training programs. Partners include Wallace Community College, Leadership Barbour, Eufaula City Schools, Eufaula Career Center, SpectraCare, Barbour County Health Dept, LTC Life Coaching and several local businesses which will provide hands-on job skills training.

OPELIKA HOUSING AUTHORITY— New executive director He’s spent 32 years in the housing industry, with the last fifteen in public housing and the past couple of weeks as the new executive director of the Opelika Housing Authority. Matthew McClammey comes from Atlanta to take over the seat Akinola Popoola left after he accepted the executive director position at the housing board in Mobile on February 28. Right now, McClammey is focusing on getting out in the community and meeting people. “Observe, inspect and correct – that is basically what I’ve been doing – seeing where we are and finding the tweaks where I can so we can move forward,” McClammey said. “I think the Opelika Housing Authority is in great shape. Popoola did a great job making sure this authority is stable. I see great things here.” Henrietta Snipes, OAC board chairperson, said the thing that impressed the board about Mr. McClammey is that he’s about being on the ground. “Getting out there walking the area, getting with the residents, seeing the residents, knowing the residents and letting them know him – that is the goal of the board and his goal.” McClammey was born in San Francisco. His parents

retired to Monroe County, Alabama when he was in high school. “My intent has always been to come back to Alabama. This is part of the path home,” McClammey said. “Beatrice is home. As I shared with the board, when I leave here I want to retire to Monroe County.” But for now, McClammey will be overseeing 1,200 housing units, including Camp Hill. “I will be working closely with the board to hopefully take the authority in the direction they’ve seen for some time. Opelika is ahead of the curve as far as our assets. I think there are a lot of opportunities here.”

CAROLINA NEWS

Columbia Housing Authority—Hickory Housing Authority teams up with TEEN

The Columbia Housing Authority (CHA), in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Education, is participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The program ran from June 11 through August 3. Children receive 50% of their calories from food eaten at school, and children from lowerincome families qualify for free or reduced meals during the school year. However, through the summer months, many children lose access to nutritious meals. CHA wanted to bring the Summer Food Service Program into its communities. CHA served nutritious lunches at seven Volunteers work at summer food locations making the meals easily available to our children. Each child received a serving of program for Claremont residents. milk, at least two servings of vegetables and/or fruit, one serving of grain and one serving of a meat/meat alternative. CHA served over 200 children a day. CHA hired ten employees over the summer as site supervisors to handle all operations of the SFSP, including serving meals, keeping track of how many children ate each day and ensuring that all of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rules were followed. Columbia Housing Authority residents filled these positions, which gave them an opportunity to earn extra income. The SFSP was created by USDA to provide free meals to children during the summer months to all children 18 years of age or younger; exceptions are made for persons older than 18 if there is a disability.

Greensboro Housing Authority—Claremont’s Born Learning Trail gets a new coat of paint

Butterflies, ladybugs, flowers and shapes are just a few of the images you might see at Claremont Courts’ recently updated Born Learning Trail. The Born Learning Trail was initially constructed in May, 2012 through a partnership that focuses on early childhood education between Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) and United Way of Greater Greensboro. The trail consists of a series of ten stations, each with an activity designed to help children develop the skills necessary for academic success. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are encouraged to interact with the children along the trail to further skills in pre-reading, math, shapes, physical activity, listening and imagination. In May, volunteers from GHA staff, PNRC officers, United Way of Greater Greensboro representatives and Claremont residents spent an afternoon refreshing the trail that had not been updated since its opening. New stencils now brighten up the sidewalk along with updated colorful signs giving instructions for activities along the pathway. Volunteers also assisted the children in painting as they wanted to join in on the fun too! Three new flowerbeds now grace the area, and all the children who attended went home with a fresh flower to care for themselves. The new signs and fresh paint will revive the trail, encouraging children to learn in fun, engaging ways.

High Point Housing Authority–Empowering future medical professionals The Housing Authority of the city of High Point (HPHA) received a grant from Wake Forest University’s North Carolina Area Health Education Center to provide its first weeklong Camp Med for HPHA’s SOAR program youth interested in medical professions. The program is designed to recruit, educate and prepare high school students for careers in health professions. Sixteen youth participated in various activities including presentations, tours/ observations and clinical experiences. They had hands-on experience as they learned about career opportunities in areas such as physical therapy, sports medicine, pharmacy, athletic training, Hospice care, forensic science, physician’s assistant, and emergency medical technicians. The HPHA program participants learned how to access educational resources within the medical fields from the College Foundation of North Carolina. The High Point Police Department’s forensic lab provided presentations on investigative methods, laboratory techniques and how to collect evidence from crime scenes using photographic or video equipment. Hospice of the Piedmont gave youth a presentation on the positive avenues of transition and different options of care provided in facilities or at home. Guilford Technical Community

College provided presentations on health careers and the admissions process. Piedmont Triad Ambulance & Rescue offered information on emergency medical technicians and paramedic medical professions. In addition, the youth received an in-depth tour of the inside of an ambulance. The highlight of the week was a tour of High Point University’s Congdon School of Health Sciences. The Center for Medical Simulation offered a cutting-edge educational experience that provided learning opportunities utilizing a variety of modalities including high-fidelity patient simulators and standardized patients that reproduced the a real patient experience. These simulators allowed youth to use “modeled physiology” which recreated responses that an actual patient’s physiology would show the learner. “The HPHA extends a huge thank you to Wake Forest University’s North Carolina Area Health Education Center, the High Point Police Forensic Department, Hospice of the Piedmont, GTCC, Piedmont Triad Ambulance, and High Point University’s Congdon School of Health Sciences for an awesome opportunity of a lifetime for our youth,” says Angela McGill, HPHA CEO.

FLORIDA NEWS FAHRO Annual Conference—“Transforming affordable housing” FAHRO’s recent annual convention and trade show was one of the best yet as we continue to improve and enhance understanding the current needs of housing and working with those who desire the same. FAHRO members, exhibitors, speakers and guests joined us August 6-8 as we sharpened our skills to excel in our efforts of maintaining excellence in Florida’s housing. HUD Secretary Ben Carson provided the keynote address during the opening session. While at the convention, members were treated to cutting edge education that was selected to appeal to the varied interests of the state’s large, medium and small agencies. Seven separate tracks of expert informational and educational opportunities were featured for conference participants. Concluding the event was the annual awards banquet and members were honored to hear from keynote speaker Senator Darryl Rouson, a champion and long-time advocate of affordable housing in Florida. FAHRO is already working on its 2019 annual convention and we invite all members of SERC-NAHRO to join us. Please watch for more information coming soon!

GEORGIA NEWS

Newton Housing Authority—News around Newton

In mid-July, the Camilla/Newton Housing Authority sponsored a weekend trip to Saint Simon Island for some of its youth to attend the annual Georgia Association of Housing & Redevelopment Authorities’ (GAHRA) Youth Leadership Conference at Epworth By the Sea. The travelers included a few members from the Max Wolves basketball team. The weekend was packed with intense educational training courses and extreme fun. The conference included two key note speakers, one of whom was a Camilla native Mr. Reginald Sweet. Dedication and strong work ethics were displayed by these young residents throughout the trip. Conference goals included building character and leadership skills in our resident youth, and this group modeled those traits , setting the bar for conference behavior. Upon completing the financial literacy session, Roderick Farlow stated, “From now on I will set the tone when I walk in the room.” On a daily basis, today’s youth are faced with much adversity that sometimes hinders them from being productive individuals in society. So, at Camilla/Newton Housing Authority, we’re setting the standard high in hopes that all organizations will step up and give young folks a chance to shine.

Community garden and beautiful properties enrich neighborhood Camilla-Newton residents have started the ‘Gardening by Day’ community garden where they grow fresh produce for community residents. This garden is soulfully maintained by the residents of the Bennett Homes Division. Not only do the residents get a kick out of the gardening activities, but so does the staff. Almost anyone asked about the garden replies with, “It’s a stress reliever.” All the credit for this awesome idea goes to long-time tenant and amazing community influence, Mrs. Louise Brown. With the community garden becoming such a big hit, it has opened more doors of opportunity for our residents. One of our favorite spin-off programs is the “Beauty Spot of the Month”. This spot is monitored by Resident Advisor Janice Robinson. She inspects each property to daily for maintenance and cleanliness. A sign is placed at the property selected as the ‘winner’. We recently spoke with reigning two times champion Mrs. Velma Williams who told us that grooming her landscape each day relieves stress and brings her peace of mind. Sounds like everyone really wins here – residents and management alike enjoy the beautifully manicured properties resulting from this fun competition!

Griffin Housing Authority—Educational Prosperity Initiative (EPI) Griffin Housing Authority’s Educational Prosperity Initiative (EPI) provides an escape from poverty for a long forgotten neighborhood. Several years ago, services in the disenfranchised Fairmont community were almost non-existent with residents living in the midst of blight and all that comes with it. Today, with grassroots engagement and a multi-institution initiative led by the Griffin Housing Authority and the University of Georgia-Griffin Campus, a comprehensive system of general support strengthens the neighborhood. A cadre of services, programs and activities for all ages are in place including community gardening, summer youth programs, academic enrichment for youth and adults, mentoring life skills, and employability programs. The Little Free Library @ C.H.A.R.M.S. in the Fairmont community is one example of the academic enrichment programs now in place.

KENTUCKY NEWS

Housing Authority of Bowling Green named HUD EnVision Center U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced June 7 that the Housing Authority of Bowling Green (HABG) was selected in the first round of communities selected as an EnVision Center. The HABG was one of only 17 locations in the United States chosen for this opportunity. EnVision Centers are hubs in or near public housing that support four pillars of self-sufficiency: economic empowerment, educational advancement, health and wellness, and character and leadership. “HABG is the first in the commonwealth of Kentucky designated as an EnVision Center,” said HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Denise Cleveland-Leggett. “Through the leadership and efforts of Abraham Williams and community leaders, those we mutually serve are being provided opportunities to achieve the American dream through dynamic and innovative self-sufficiency strategies.” “HABG is both humbled and excited to be named a HUD EnVision Center. The Bowling Green/Warren County community has been very giving in helping provide services and programs to our residents. We have a very dedicated, skilled and engaged staff, all of whom are willing to go above and beyond,” said Abraham Williams, HABG executive director. The authority offers a variety of programs to over 1,400 residents in 598 public housing units. The EnVision Center, through partnerships with organizations locally, regionally and nationally, will connect low-income families to services that offer a clear path to self-sufficiency. This new holistic approach will make it easier for families to become self-sufficient, provide economic empowerment, and make federal resources more readily available to a greater number of households currently waiting to receive HUD assistance. The Housing Authority held a press conference on June 21 to announce the goals for our EnVision Center. In addition to Cleveland-Leggett, the event was attended by Michael Browder, field office director for HUD’s Kentucky office, and other HUD and local officials. During the event, current and former residents discussed how they used the resources at HABG to find good jobs, get support for their families and obtain home-owernship. Jasmine Varner, HABG Youth of the Year spoke at the event. She is a 2018 graduate of Bowling Green High school, where she had a 3.86 GPA and a 30 on her ACT; she was a two-time state track champion, speaks three languages and plays 3 different instruments. She plans to attend University of Louisville in the fall. “Growing up here was amazing,” Varner said, adding that she was repeatedly told by those at the authority that “your life doesn’t have to stop here at these apartments.” “I am so proud of the exemplary model being set by the Housing Authority of Bowling Green and the recognition that they have received as a HUD EnVision Center,” said Browder. “ Executive Director Abraham Williams and his staff are transforming lives every day by helping individuals and families become selfsufficient.”

KHA—Maintenance Olympic winners

The annual Maintenance Olympics were held at the recent KHA Maintenance Workshop. Faith Cornwell-Pike reported that the Maintenance Olympics raised $100 for the KHA scholarship fund. This year’s Maintenance Olympics may have been the most exciting yet, as it was the closest margin of victory in the event’s 21 year history! Thank you to all participants, and congratulations to the winners!

Maintenance Olympic winners were:

1st Place: Chad Abbott, Somerset Housing Authority 2nd Place: Jason Roberson,Morehead Housing Authority 3rd Place: Demontary Orr, Paducah Housing Authority

Antique Tool Competition winners were:

1st Place: Rick Hayworth,Mayfield Housing Authority 2nd Place: Chad Girdler, Somerset Housing Authority 3rd Place: Austin Schramer, Mayfield Housing Authority

Gerald Board, executive director of the Lyon County Housing Authority and Amber Village Apartments of Eddyville Kentucky was recently recognized at the Housing Management Conference in Louisville, Kentucky for his outstanding performance in subsidy administration. He is pictured here with Anita Toll of the Kentucky Housing Corporation. Congratulations, Gerald!

MISSISSIPPI NEWS PHA’s in Mississippi participate in HUD's strong families initiatives Meridian Housing Authority City, state, and local officials, including District 82 Representative Charles Young, Jr., joined the Meridian Housing Authority (MHA) along with Mississippi HUD Field Office Director Jerrie Magruder in support of MHA’s Strong Families Initiative and Fun Festival Day. The Strong Families Initiative supports HUD’s nationwide outreach to encourage the bonding of fathers, mothers and their children while connecting families to healthy choices, homeownership opportunities and economic development resources. The celebration also included a two mile run and a one mile walk.

Mississippi Regional Housing Authority IV The Mississippi Regional Housing Authority IV (MRHA IV), in association with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), hosted a HUD Strong Families Initiative event on Wednesday, June 20, at W.O. Shivers Park in Maben. MRHA IV partnered with the town of Maben to host the event. The event featured food, rides, games, health and wellness activities, and included visits from elected officials, community organizations and other community groups. Brian Power, executive director of MRHA IV stated “these events were structured to bring together families and the community. We partnered with local community organizations to provide positive and impactful activities.” MRHA IV is excited about providing services and events whose sole purpose is to unify and empower the community.

Laurel Housing Authority It takes a village Laurel Housing Authority (LHA) recently hosted a workshop to strengthen families based on the idea that it takes a village to raise successful children. The trick, of course, is to find a village of people whom you can trust to help raise your child(ren). This requires people who have great family values and standards. This is what LHA communities strive to be. The morning began with Ailrick Young, LHA executive director, speaking on how the housing authority provides homes for many families and how important it is for children to have a place to call home. He introduced Mrs. Ivory Shelby’s to lead in prayer. Her prayer touched on challenges and difficulties that families face today. Mayor Johnny Magee gave a warm welcome along with a personal testimony of his family situation coming up as a child. As he spoke, the importance of a strong family was felt throughout the building. Partnering agencies including: South Central Regional Medical Center which provided blood pressure checks and discussed other

health issues; The Friends of Children (Early Head Start) which discussed the importance of early childhood care and development; The Office of Tobacco Control which informed us on the effects of long term use of tobacco on the body; and the Office of Supportive Services for Veteran Families which presented the different services offered to veterans and their families. We were pleased to meet our new assistant superintendent of Laurel City Schools, Dr. Kenitra Ezi, who shared plans to enhance our children’s education and encouraged families to become more involved. Dr. Rashad Ali, chief executive officer of the Family Health Center, shared the importance of taking care of our bodies and minds. Mrs. Joy Ulland, assistant vice president of BancorpSouth, discussed the importance of having a solid financial foundation to sustain the family. Mr. Terrance Course from the HUD office in Jackson summed it up by bringing all the components together. He discussed the educational, health, and financial values that bring families together. 14

TENNESSEE NEWS

Morristown summer fun comes to an end

This summer, Morristown Housing Authority’s (MHA) Computer Learning Center was involved in countless activities! From taking field trips to parks, splash pads, museums, and baseball games, one of the most exciting activities was in MHA’s own back yard. A missions group called MFuge, hosted by Carson Newman University, partnered with the center for five weeks. Each week, MHA youth’s activities were based off themes like crazy connections, arts alive, edible engineering, animation movie, and the last hurrah! During that time, the kids made slime, turned food into creatures, made no bake cookies and rice crispy treats, worked in the community garden, watched movies and ate popcorn, made snow cones and popsicles, played board games, went on day trips, and enjoyed lots of outdoor play! The Computer Learning Center received a grant from MFuge that helped with purchasing new board games and arts & crafts materials. We would also like to thank the Tennessee Department of Human Services for providing a summer food service program that delivered breakfast and lunch daily to the youth at the center.

McMinnville plans housing for seniors In 2016, the McMinnville Housing Authority created Warren County Development Corporation, a non-profit group through which to apply for funds to build affordable housing. Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) recently awarded Warren County Development Corporation a Tennessee Housing Trust Fund grant for the construction of new housing for low income and elderly households in Warren County. The $500,000 grant from THDA was awarded through the spring round of the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund competitive grants program at its board of directors’ meeting in May. This grant was one of four totaling two-million dollars that were approved by the board. The grant, together with over one million dollars in matching funds, will be used to build eight one-bedroom housing units for Warren County residents ages 62 and older. Patricia Left to right: Executive Director Patricia Basham, McMinnville Housing Authority, Board Chairman Marvin Lusk, and Denise McBride, THDA liaison. Basham, executive director said, “These funds will help us achieve our number one priority – providing urgently needed, affordable housing for our seniors.”

Highland Residential Services provides summer learning and fun activities for children Highland Residential Services’ summer lunch program was a huge success this year! Many thanks go to AmeriCorps volunteers Whitney Nielsen, Nate Stults, and Kennedy Kimbel; TTU Intern Kathy Garcia; and to the small army of community volunteers listed below. Approximately 35 children attended the program at some time during the summer to participate in learning and fun activities. Delicious lunches were served each day. Our supporters this year included the following people and organizations: • Putnam County School Nutrition Program • Putnam County Health Department • WCTE-TV • Praise Cathedral Church of God • New Beginnings Fellowship Church • First United Pentecostal Church • Kainos Church • Life Church • Sycamore Church of Christ • West View Baptist Church • First Christian Church • Sylvan Learning • Power of Putnam • PCSWD – Lisa Luck • UC Child Advocacy Center • Cookeville Noonday Rotary • UT Extension office – Halie Beason • Numerous other volunteers and contributors. 15

Cookeville Noonday Rotary Club member is seen building bridges with kids at the summer lunch program.

VIRGINIA NEWS VADHCO—Former SERC president inducted in VHA Hall of Fame

David E. Baldwin was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the recent Virginia Housing Alliance’s Annual Awards Luncheon. Dave is the former (retired) executive director/CEO of Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Baldwin served in the public and assisted housing industry from 1977 until his retirement in December. He served at three public housing agencies before landing at Bristol in 2003. He is a past-president of the Virginia Association of Housing and Community Development Officials, and held many leadership positions in both SERC and NAHRO during his tenure. It is an honor to recognize Dave’s dedicated service and many contributions to the field. He makes his former colleagues so proud!

NAHRO National Merit Scholarship Georgia student receives NAHRO scholarship

Christina Mandzyuk, resident at the Conyers Housing Authority was recognized at the recent NAHRO convention as the second-place recipient of NAHRO’s 2018 scholarship. Christina was salutatorian at Salem High School where she was a member of the Beta Club. Her favorite high school subject was Healthcare, and she often served as a volunteer at local clinics. Other awards and scholarships that Christina received include several superintendent’s academic awards, being CNA and EKG certified, and receiving the Zell Miller Scholarship. She will attend Georgia State University. Christina is one of five children of Lyudmila and Aleksandr Mandzyuk. She plans to major in nursing, and wants to pursue a career in pediatric nursing. She chose this field because she grew up with younger siblings and learned to help take care of kids. Her younger brother was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and she watched as the pediatric nurses and staff took care of him. SERC congratulates Christina and wishes her the best of luck in reaching her future goals and achieving her dreams! 16

Christina Mandzyuk Conyers, GA

WEST VIRGINIA NEWS

PARKERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY—Mindful WV: bringing yoga and mindfulness to communities

Yoga and mindfulness is becoming a popular activity within our communities. There are so many benefits to this practice for folks of all ages. It seems that yoga classes are offered in most of our communities, but often the classes are for adults. Mindful WV is a project that was formed through grants to provide yoga to children in schools and community settings by equipping folks in communities to teach yoga to kids. Through a curriculum called Kidding Around Yoga, children of all ages across the Mid-Ohio Valley, from schools to other community locations, are realizing the benefits of yoga and mindfulness. Homecrest Manor, a public housing development in Parkersburg, WV, is a neighborhood where Mindful WV will be offering classes once a week during the school year. The most awesome outcome of teaching yoga in the Homecrest neighborhood is that these children also attend Franklin Elementary School. Franklin Elementary is the first Mindful WV school. The teachers at this school have received the same training, so not only will these children have the opportunity to enjoy yoga in their neighborhood, but also will be receiving the benefits of yoga in their classroom. Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. We cannot wait to see how this project will benefit the lives of the children living at Homecrest Manor.

CHARLESTON KANAWA HOUSING AUTHORITY—After-school partnership with Step by Step In 2016, the board members of Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority (CKHA) requested that a program be implemented to help the students at Orchard Manor with homework. Since Step by Step has worked with students at South Park Village in some capacity since 2009, the family service coordinator contacted them to discuss options. CKHA developed an official collaboration with Step by Step to develop a six-week summer program (including enrichment and feeding) that was held at the Switzer Center. In addition to providing program services for the students at Orchard Manor and Littlepage, they provided bus transportation for youth at South Park or Hillcrest, and all four sites. That fall, board members voted to provide $4,000 to partially fund a VISTA volunteer through Step by Step. A smallscale after-school program was established at the Switzer Center at Orchard Manor in November, 2016, and served approximately 15-20 students in grades K–5th. This program provided a snack and about two hours of enrichment activities after school four days a week. This was a chaotic time as the program struggled to become established with minimal staff and irregular volunteers. However, the commitment of the board and staff at CKHA and Step by Step was strong. The next year, the summer program expanded to six weeks, and students were provided transportation to a music camp in a neighboring county. The school year of 2017–2018 offered a more structured and comprehensive after-school program at the Switzer Center. Enrollment increased to approximately 30–35 students on any given day, and the hours were extended for meals, and staff members were added for the additional students The summer of 2018 provided a comprehensive, six-week program where more than 40 students were enrolled. As the after-school program is about to go into the third year, there will be a significant increase in funding and resources. Step by Step was successful in receiving a five-year, million dollar, 21st Century Learning Centers Grant that will provide expanded after school programming in Charleston. Each program will include a site coordinator/lead enrichment leader, an additional enrichment leader (two for Switzer Elementary Program), at least one

AmeriCorps volunteer and a county-wide coordinator. The national service resources including AmeriCorps members will mentor students at our Switzer, Horace Mann and South Park sites. In all programs combined, AmeriCorps will mentor a total of at least 120 students, supporting them in both after school and working with them at their respective schools. These programs will include WIFI learning centers, STEM based activities, robotics, Jr. Master’s Gardening, “Habitats, Home, and Healthier Futures,” art and music curriculums, and healthy lifestyles programming such as, “Too Good for Drugs.” Individual counseling will be made available during programming hours. The Library at Littlepage will be utilized for the Switzer Center programming weekly, in order to facilitate literacy programming.

SERC Annual Conference I Norfolk, Virginia

One Particular Harbor

“But there’s this one particular harbor, So far but yet so near Where I see the days as they fade away And finally disappear Lakes below the mountains Flow into the sea Like oils applied to canvas They permeate through me…”

he 2018 SERC-NAHRO Annual Conference was held June 24-26 in Norfolk, VA. This year we’ve been from Fort Lauderdale to Norfolk and will end the year where another harbor meets the sea in the city of New Orleans. There is not another place in the world that exists below sea level and maintains its lifestyle like New Orleans. Thank you to a great planning committee under the direction of President Gilbert. Our goals of providing quality training and opportunities to network and exchange ideas within our industry were accomplished. Though the air-conditioning was out for the first few nights, we endured warm meeting rooms and hotter than normal temperatures outside and still maintained our goals. Some sessions were standing room only. New sessions were offered such as Active Shooter Training, that explored active shooter situations in America and how to protect yourself and others in a shooting. Another session focused on developing youth sports and leadership programs that show participation by the youth inspires life changing experiences. Changes in RAD and the use of low income housing tax credits have allowed many housing authorities freedom from relying solely on HUD for Continued on next page

SERC Annual Conference

Norfolk, Virginia

funding. An open panel discussion called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meet Developersâ&#x20AC;? gave attendees an opportunity to consider options for developing, especially in respect to RAD. The 2nd annual SERC Scholarship Auction was a huge success. The addition of a live auctioneer really energized the group. Kudos are offered to Madelyn Dotson and the committee. The scholarship luncheon, auction golf tournament and TV raffle raised a record-breaking $13,527 from our generous, supportive membership. Continued on next page

SERC Annual Conference

The SERC Cares Initiative committee, led by Reta Thomas exceeded the goal for donations to The Union Mission Ministry in Norfolk. The ministry focus is helping men, women and children restore their lives by providing nourishing meals, safe shelter and Christ-centered care. The “SERC Cares – I Give” stickers were a huge success. NAHRO President Carl Richie and PHADA’s Tim Kiser Continued on next page

Norfolk, Virginia

SERC Annual Conference

Norfolk, Virginia

addressed the group at the legislative luncheon. ‘…And there’s that one particular harbor Sheltered from the wind Where the children play on the shore each day And all are safe within…”* *Lyrics from “One Particular Harbor” —Written by Jimmy Buffett & Bobby Holcomb 1983

Exhibitors We want to take this opportunity to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank youâ&#x20AC;? for all you do for our housing organization. The support of our vendors and sponsors greatly enhanced our conferene. Your time and effort, as well as your friendly presence, is a treat for our membership. Your expertise on the products and services that you offer, from accounting software and insurance programs to the latest in outside and inside appliances and devices. It is invaluable to us as we manage our affordable housing units and move ahead in this fast-pace world of technology and change.

2 0 1 8 I E X H I B I T O R S 22

Serc-NAHRO Scholarship Auction

This year’s conference saw a record-breaking amount raised for the SERC scholarship program. A total of $13,527 was raised by everyone participating in the SCHOLARSHIP AUCTION LUNCHEON ($9,665), GOLF TOURNAMENT ($2,945),and TV RAFFLE ($918). The generous support from the membership at the auction was stunning. We offer a special “thank you!” to Madelyn Dotson and the scholarship committee/auction team, who provided a professional live-auction for our enjoyment. Members really got into the bidding during our second annual auction, making it even more successful than last year’s event. The scholarship golf tournament is always tremendous fun, and a great opportunity for vendors and members to team up in competition for the coveted trophy while donating to a great cause. The TV raffle, a new event, was well received and the winners did not give a second thought as to how to get the prize home. We can’t to see what’s on tap for the 2019 scholarship fundraiser!

S C H O L A R S H I P 23

A U C T I O N

Website/Newsletter Awards

presented at the annual conference

SERC selects the best agency newsletters each year and present awards at the annual conference. This year the public affairs/SERCulator committee added awards for website of the year based on these categories: • Small Public Housing Agency: 0-250 total units • Medium Public Housing Agency 251-500 total units • Large Public Housing Agency 501-1500 total units • Extra Large Public Housing Agency 1501+ total units

Small newsletter award –The SHA Update– Starkville Housing Authority, Starkville, MS

Medium newsletter award–BHA Newsletter–Burlington Housing Authority, Burlington, NC

X-Large newsletter award–Pathways to Empowerment to the Housing Authority of High Point, High Point, NC

Large newsletter award–Neighborhood News— Housing Authority of the City of Owensboro Owenboro, KY

Medium website award–Danville, KY

Small website award – Staunton Redevelopment, VA, www.stauntonrha.org

www.danvillehousingagency.com

Large website award–Bristol Redevelopment, VA www.brha.com

X-Large website award–Greenville, SC www.tgha.net

Winners from SERC

LEGISLATIVE l Update Friend or foe...

What can we do?

I have been working in the Public Housing industry now going on 28 years. I began my career in college as a part time employee at the York Housing Authority in the small town of York, Alabama. Even as a young newcomer to the industry, it was immediately apparent to me that the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) has a unique relationship with Mike Sweet Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Unfortunately, in my opinion this uniqueness is not in a good way. The relationship between HUD and PHAs is supposed to be one of partnership. Cities and Counties across the country executed Cooperation Agreements and PHAs entered into Annual Contribution Contracts (ACCs) with everyone working together to serve the community. The online definition of Contract states – “an agreement with specific terms between two or more persons or entities in which there is a promise to do something in return for a valuable benefit known as consideration……” As a businessman, I have signed many Contracts over the years, in both Housing Authority transactions with HUD and also private enterprise. Generally speaking, I have found that Contracts between private parties are negotiable. That has not been the case with HUD. In the past two decades, it has appeared to me that HUD has moved more and more to a “we are going to ram it down your throat” style of business plan with regard to PHAs. I have even had colleagues report that HUD personnel have, in so many words, acknowledged as much. HUD has taken several actions over the years that might be considered adversarial. Examples of such actions arguably include the Public Housing Assessment System’s physical inspection protocol, institution of Asset Management, Executive Compensation requirements, Subsidy Recapture, and the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule. While it is certain that HUD has regulatory oversight obligations, some of these initiatives appear primarily to be in reaction to the wrongdoings of a few bad actors within the industry. There is also the thought that HUD is trying to pressure PHAs to move to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). The latest example of a HUD initiative that may have neagative impiications for the Public Housing Industry is the recent revision to the ACC. The new ACC presents many problems for the Industry to include: • A PHA will not execute a new ACC document as in the past but rather it will become effective when the PHA makes their first withdrawal of 2018 Capital Fund Program (CFP) monies. This informal procedure may violate local or state law and may also breach established Board of Commissioners Bylaws or HA Policy.

• The HUD Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Notices announcing the new ACC may have failed to notify the public of several significant changes to the ACC the department was considering. In addition, the notices provide insufficient time for review, failed to make comments easily available to the public, and failed to require the department or the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to respond to any public comment they received. Analysis of the new ACC leads us to believe that there are several significant changes that were not discussed in HUD’s notices and may be inconsistent with regulations and statutes. • HUD has included a provision in the new ACC that requires PHAs to, “comply with …. HUD issued notices, and HUD-required forms, and agreements.” For years, HUD has endeavored, without much success, to require PHAs to comply with all provisions of its notices and other forms of guidance when those requirements are not included in law or regulations. In general, notices and guidance only represent requirements for HUD staff, unless they reiterate legitimate requirements in regulation or statutes. This provision seems to permit HUD to forgo rulemaking in imposing new requirements on HAs that operate public housing. • The new ACC enshrines appropriations act provisions concerning the limits on PHA executive compensation in the contract. While no more burdensome or restrictive than the current statutory standard, the ACC would be inconsistent with any new standard if Congress eliminates or modifies it. It appears that HUD is trying to preserve this salary restriction even if Congress chooses to delete it from future appropriations acts. • The new ACC adds the following: “The HA must not release, without prior HUD approval, any and all information contained in such records.” Effectively, HUD would have to approve the release of any information contained in HUD’s system of records (and presumably any local records supporting HUD’s system of records data). This provision is most likely inconsistent with federal Freedom of Information Act requirements and requirements contained in many comparable state open records or sunshine acts. • The Section (10) concerning Grant Funding, is a transparent effort to preclude any future suits against the government similar to the successful operating reserve offset suit. In addition to citing appropriations act limitations, changes or recapture of funding and those authorities delegated by Congress to HUD, the provision concludes, “Grant funding may also be terminated, recaptured, withheld, suspended, reduced or such other actions taken in accordance with HUD Requirements.” Since new language in other Sections (3) of the ACC redefine “HUD-issued notices, and HUD-required forms, and agreements,” as requirements, the department is granting itself a free hand to unilaterally change, eliminate, or recapture an PHA’s public housing funding.

Additional HUD actions that are being considered that will have an adverse impact on PHAs are elimination of Central Office Cost Centers (COCCs) and Cash Management for the Public Housing Program. I encourage you to educate yourself regarding the new ACC and these other HUD actions. I would also suggest that each PHA send a letter to the HUD, Washington, D.C. Office indicating that they are drawing down 2018 CFP under duress. chick604@bellsouth.net

Serc History I Reflections from the past

SERC-MLK basketball/dance tournament begins second quarter-century of competition The 26th annual SERC MLK basketball and cheer / dance competition held in LaGrange, GA in January, was “one for the ages.” Since this year started the second quarter-century for the tournament, some brand new games were introduced. The event started with an NBA style all-star game opening ceremony, with a live DJ, step team exhibition, threepoint contest, dunk contest, and a new skills challenge. The new skills challenge competition consisted of players dribbling down the court without traveling to shoot a lay-up, and dribbling back down to make a pass into a life-size LeBron James or Kyrie Ervin for the fastest time. Also introduced was the all-new ‘Most Lit’ competition, where teams and their supporters displayed their team spirit by dancing, yelling, and just overall having a good time! Some of the winners of the competitions were Tony Coleman, CJ Blount, Santoine Howard. Birmingham won the’ Most Lit’ contest. Following these fun events were two days of competitive cheer and dance. Each of the teams placed with three winners in each division. The amount of work these young ladies put in before arrival was obvious when watching their routines. This was the place to be to see some great basketball action, with two championships games going down to the wire. The winners are shown below:

12 and Under

1st Goldsboro, NC—MVP Bryce Cox 2nd Bowling Green, KY 3rd Birmingham, AL

15 and Under

1st Mobile, AL—MVP Chris Tucker 2nd Eufaula, AL 3rd Andlusa, AL

18 and Under

1st Alex City, AL—MVP LaBrunski Leonard 2nd Laurel, MS 3rd Statesville, NC

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hud update

HUD OFFERS OVER $212 MILLION IN GRANTS TO CLEAN UP LEAD AND OTHER HOUSING-RELATED HEALTH HAZARDS Funding to protect children from housing-related lead poisoning, asthma & allergies

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that it is making more than $212 million in grants available to help eliminate dangerous lead-based paint hazards from the homes of lower income families. These grants are intended to protect young children from lead poisoning and provide an opportunity for states and local communities to set up programs to control health and safety hazards by assessing and remediating lead-based paint and other housing related health hazards. “Making these grants accessible to communities around the nation will lead to healthier outcomes for families and children,” said Matt Ammon, director of the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. “These grants will help to unlock the potential of America’s future. It is all about the kids, and it’s all about ensuring they have a foundation and an environment for life that contributes to their ability to thrive.” Unsafe and unhealthy homes affect the health of millions of people of all income levels, geographic areas, and walks of life in the U.S. These conditions affect the economy directly, through increased utilization of health care services, and indirectly, through lost wages and increased school days missed.

SERC Annual Conference

The housing improvements that communities make using these grants will help prevent illnesses and injuries, reduce associated health care and social services costs, reduce absentee rates for children in school and adults at work, and reduce stress, all which help to improve the quality of life. HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes promotes local efforts to eliminate dangerous lead paint and other housing-related health and safety hazards from lower income homes, stimulate private sector investment in lead hazard control, support cutting-edge research on methods for assessing and controlling housing-related health and safety hazards, and educate the public about the dangers of hazards in the home. The grants to states and local governments, totaling $180 million, are being offered through HUD’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program. HUD is providing nearly $32 million in healthy homes supplemental funds to identify and remediate additional housing related health hazards in homes with leadbased paint hazards. HUD requires prospective grantees to submit their applications electronically at www.grants.gov. Any changes to HUD-published funding notices will be made available to the public through a Federal Register publication and published on this government-wide portal. Applicants are urged to sign up for grants.gov’s notification service to receive periodic updates or changes to these grant offerings.

I 2018 Commissioner of the Year

Nolan T. Tolbert, Sr was selected as commissioner of the year at the SERC-NAHRO annual conference. He is from the Auburn Housing Authority in Auburn, AL where he has served 14 years (2004-current) as commissioner for the Auburn Housing Authority. He has been vice-chairperson since 2017. Not only does Mr. Torbert serve as an outstanding commissioner, but he is also an avid supporter of many of AHA’s programs and functions. He is the senior pastor of the True Deliverance Holiness Church (TDHC), located adjacent to AHA’s largest housing community. TDHC is the pillar of the northwest Auburn community. Mr. Torbert’s church consistently assists the AHA with programs and services vital to the authority. Mr. Torbert doesn’t stop there, he also serves on numerous boards and committees that provide programs through TDHC to help others in need, including founder of Changing Hearts and Destiny Ministry (a community outreach ministry); Auburn Chamber Commerce member; chamber’s economic & development committee member, board of director member for Auburn Day Care Centers; city of Auburn’s Northwest Auburn planning committee; assistant chairperson of Lee Russell County Government Advisory Council; India foreign mission board member; former board member of EAMC Parrish nurse advisory

committee, and serves as overseer and mentor of several other ministries Mr. Torbert also serves as the assistant presiding ambassador of Alabama Region Churches for Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association (CDMA), which consists of 32 churches. He and his family sponsor and host an annual community cookout. Mr. Torbert has “raised the bar” in serving as a commissioner and serving his community. He was awarded the AAHRA 2017 Outstanding Commissioner Award. Congratulations to Mr. Nolan T. Torbert, Sr, 2018 SERCNAHRO Commissioner of the Year.

SERCulator SPOTLIGHT

Starkville Housing Authority partners in unique housing development

Something that’s never happened in public housing is taking place at Starkville Housing Authority (SHA). Several months ago, SHA was approached by an attorney representing a developer/entrepreneur with a unique proposal. The developer proposed to purchase a section of land, develop the site infrastructure, and construct replacement dwelling units (104) and non-dwelling buildings at no cost to SHA. The developer is very interested in the property where three developments owned by SHA presently exist: Pecan Acers, West Pecan Acres and McDowell Elderly. His long range plan is to develop the property as commercial, and the owner will be The OKTI, LLC. There is a video on the internet that gives an overview of the area after redevelopment, just search The OKTI in Starkville, MS. SHA has decided to pursue this proposed redevelopment as an opportunity to ensure the existence of affordable housing for lowincome families in the future by replacing public housing built in 1960’s with modern energy efficient units. The hard part is adhering to HUD regulations; to say the least this is a challenge something like swimming upstream when you can’t see where the river originates. The Jackson field office has been a great help in navigating the official waters! HUD defines this as a disposition action, but not just a semi-simple sale of a property because the deal cannot be final until the new development has been completed and accepted by SHA the field office, Fair

Housing Equal Opportunity and the city of Starkville. Needless to say, the process is long and the road has many pot-holes. SHA has been working on the redevelopment for several months - holding resident meetings, public meetings, ordering appraisals, environmental reviews, surveys, etc… filling in those pot-holes. SHA continues to work with HUD, FHEO and the developer to develop a final plan for the new facilities that will be submitted to HUD in the near future.

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SERC EVENTS I Around the region 2018 SERC-NAHRO Fall Workshop November 10-12 New Orleans, LA

2018 SERCulator Deadlines Spring................ March 15 Summer................. July 15 Fall.................... October 1 Winter........December 15

What’s on the agenda around SERC SEPTEMBER 2018

WVAHA Annual Conference—September 12-14 Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center Canaan Valley, WV

SERCulator Newsletter Copies Each SERC member receives one FREE copy of the SERCulator.

GAHRA Annual Conference—September 16-19 Marriot Savannah Riverfront Hotel Savannah, GA MAHRO Executive Director Retreat—September 19-21 The Hyatt Place Columbus, MS KY Housing Association Annual Conference— September 23-26 Marriot Downtown Hotel Louisville, KY

OCTOBER 2018

TAHRA STRATEGIC PLANNING—October 14-15 Courtyard Mariott Pigeon Forge, TN

Additional copies: $7.50 each Discounted yearly rate: $25.00 subscription Please complete and return the subscription form on page 34 of this issue of the SERCulator!

NAHRO Annual Conference & Exhibition—October 25-27 Hyatt Regency Atlanta Atlanta, GA

NOVEMBER 2018

Archive issues for 2016 and 2017 available.

SERC-NAHRO Fall Workshop—November 10-12 Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel New Orleans, LA